Carolina Panthers offense tackle Jonathan Martin, the lineman harassed during the Miami Dolphins' 2013 bullying scandal, is contemplating retirement following a back injury.

Martin's agent Ken Zuckerman told The Associated Press his client recently injured his back during a workout. Zuckerman says doctors informed Martin he's not allowed to do any activity for six weeks and needs surgery.

Zuckerman says he advised Martin "not to rule anything out," but says his client would rather retire than have surgery.

The agent says Zukerman "tells me he's not going to play. I told him to never say never (because) there are always medical advancements."

The 25-year-old Martin signed with Carolina earlier this offseason. He's been working as a backup.

Martin made national headlines in 2013 when he left the Dolphins after being bullied by teammates.